The Church

The first believers met together in humble circumstances, in people's homes and in any place large enough to accommodate them. The believers were called “Christians” by the people of Antioch, and this at the time was probably a derogatory term however believers are more than happy to own the name of Christ. All true believers, those that have been “born of God”, or truly “born again” are part of what the Bible calls “the church”. The church is not a building but the body of believers. The Bible also calls all true believers “The Bride of Christ.” When the local church gathered together it had a specific reason for doing so: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2: 42. This is what God intended for His church, even to this day.

This is what the Bible says about the Church -

“He (Peter) came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.”   Acts 12: 13

“The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.”   1 Corinthians 16: 19

“And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”   Acts 11: 26

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3: 3

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”   John 1: 12-13

“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”   Acts 2: 47

"He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled."   John 3: 29

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."   Revelation 21: 17